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Automatic Ticket: ‘No Agreement Has Been Made With Fubara, Yusuf’ – Source.
The prospects of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, securing second-term governorship tickets under the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain uncertain.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Although both governors are now associated with the ruling party—Fubara through formal defection and Yusuf, who is expected to join after resigning from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)—internal resistance and competing political interests in Rivers and Kano have cast doubts over their re-election bids.
Multiple APC insiders, speaking to Punch on condition of anonymity, confirmed that neither governor has been formally guaranteed automatic return tickets for the 2027 elections. Sources said local party stakeholders and aspirants in both states are resisting any attempt to impose candidates, insisting on transparent and competitive primaries. They added that the unique political dynamics of Rivers and Kano complicate negotiations around their candidacies.
Fubara officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC on December 9, a move seen as a strategic step to strengthen his second-term ambitions. However, this has heightened tensions between Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a key Rivers political power broker. Wike has publicly stressed that Fubara’s return is not guaranteed, even under the APC, and has actively mobilized support against him across party lines.
In Kano, Yusuf’s resignation from the NNPP on Friday, accompanied by 21 state legislators, eight federal lawmakers, and 44 local government chairmen, appeared to pave the way for his expected entry into the APC. Yet, influential figures like Deputy Governor Aminu AbdulSalam and NNPP National Leader Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso remain in the NNPP, signalling potential factional tensions that could affect Yusuf’s reception within the ruling party.
Inside APC corridors, party officials said the ambitions of other governorship aspirants in Rivers and Kano have intensified uncertainties. Some aspirants have openly rejected any imposition of candidates, insisting on open primaries. A senior APC source described negotiations over the two governors’ return tickets as ongoing and unresolved, citing entrenched political interests and complex local dynamics.
He said, “Previously, PDP governors who defected to APC negotiated guarantees for their return tickets with approval from the President. While return tickets are generally expected, Rivers and Kano are tricky. Their re-election depends on the stance of party leaders and other stakeholders in those states. As of now, no firm agreement has been reached on Governors Fubara and Yusuf.”
Another senior APC official noted that although the APC Governors’ Forum is coordinating with national leaders to secure return tickets for new members, divisions remain over Fubara and Yusuf. Some members are sceptical about their ability to deliver electoral victories in their states.
“The Governors’ Forum is a powerful body within the party, funding campaigns and deciding most issues, except where the President has a direct interest. They have resolved tickets for most new members, but Rivers remains contested and nothing solid has been decided for Kano,” the source said.
He added, “Yusuf’s failure to bring Kwankwaso into APC is a setback. Also, former party chairman Abdullahi Ganduje supports Nasiru Gawuna, the party’s 2023 candidate, while Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin is also eyeing the governorship. These internal rivalries must be addressed before any ticket can be confirmed.
“In Rivers, Wike is a major player and has mobilized networks against Fubara. For him to secure a return ticket, APC must reach an understanding with Wike and other stakeholders. Both governors’ capacities to navigate these challenges are being tested.”
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has appealed to residents of Abia State and other road users along the Aba–Azumini highway to protect the newly completed road from activities that could damage it.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
FERMA’s South-East 2 Zonal Director, Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, issued the warning during an inspection of the project, cautioning against the burning of tyres during celebrations, which he said could damage the road surface.
He noted that destructive practices by some youths and community members often contribute to the early failure of road projects across the country.
“Our advice to road users, especially indigenes, is to protect the road from destruction. Let nobody come and destroy it or burn tyres in the name of celebration,” he said.
Omonowo said the Aba–Azumini highway was previously in a very bad condition before FERMA intervened, describing it as a death trap for commuters and residents.
He also expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the project, adding that drainage structures such as catch pits would help prevent flooding and extend the lifespan of the road.
According to him, the highway serves as a major link between Aba, several Abia communities, and Cross River State, carrying heavy traffic daily.
He urged local construction firms to improve on quality delivery to compete effectively with foreign contractors.
Meanwhile, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in Abia State, Festus Okafor, said FERMA workers have not faced harassment or violence from residents during operations in the state.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Yobe State Command, has declared a 30-year-old inmate wanted after he escaped following a road accident involving a prison transport vehicle.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The incident reportedly occurred on April 13, 2026, while inmates were being conveyed from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum to Damaturu.
In a statement issued in Damaturu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Abdullahi Adamu, said the vehicle conveying the inmates was involved in a crash during the journey.
He said the accident happened while efforts were ongoing to rescue those affected.
The escaped inmate was identified as Dahiru Mohammed, with prison number J/1539/24, who was admitted into custody on November 29, 2024.
The Correctional Service described him as dangerous and warned members of the public not to have any form of contact with him.
It urged residents to report any useful information that could lead to his re-arrest to the nearest security agency.
Authorities also cautioned that harbouring a fugitive is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, has ordered the University of Ibadan (UI) to reinstate three students suspended over their participation in a protest against tuition fee hikes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Nkeonye Maha set aside the decision of the university’s Central Student Disciplinary Committee, ruling that the students were denied fair hearing during the disciplinary process.
The court held that the failure to allow the students call witnesses and present evidence violated their constitutional right to fair hearing, rendering the sanctions against them invalid.
The affected students — Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin, and Nice Linus — were suspended on July 14, 2025, after taking part in a protest against increased school fees approved by the university’s governing council.
Dissatisfied with the suspension, they approached the court, arguing that the disciplinary proceedings breached their fundamental rights and due process.
They asked the court to quash the suspension, reinstate their studentship, and award damages for alleged rights violations.
In her ruling, Justice Maha agreed with their arguments, stating that the university’s actions failed to meet the standards of natural justice.
Following the judgment, rights group CAPPA hailed the decision, urging the university to comply fully, reinstate the students, and issue an apology.
The group said the ruling reinforces constitutional protections for freedom of expression and serves as a warning against the suppression of student protests in tertiary institutions.
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